A2B’s 5 Step plan to evaluate training effectiveness in the workplace

Can training and development programmes really be measured and evaluated in a tangible way? This is probably one of the most commonly asked questions prior to making a commitment to any large investment and to an organisation-wide project.

At A2B, we believe that training it can be evaluated. What’s more we believe it should be evaluated.

Although fashionable and in demand complex statistical methods of measuring ROI at best can seem like a time consuming diversion from the task at hand, at worst the results are often unsatisfactory.

We have developed a 5 step plan to ensure all training is continually evaluated and is making a real contribution to the business goals of the organisation.

1. Business performance and change
At this stage we need to establish a benchmark against which all future evaluation is measured. We look at issues such as:

Goals of the business

Attitudes

Morale and commitment

Productivity

Profitability

Existing working practices

2. Identifying training needs
We use a variety of tools to assess and understand the specifics of the training required to achieve the necessary outcome. These include:

The use of 360° feedback tools

Setting a benchmark of business drivers and needs

Training needs analysis tools

3. The development programme
This stage looks primarily at direct feedback at the point of training delivery and includes tools such as:

Feedback sheets

Self reporting

Action plans

Review of objective attainment

4. Review stage outcomes
In a long term programme, we believe it’s advisable to measure and evaluate effectiveness at interim periods. This allows us to make changes that will ensure the total project meets the agreed objectives. Interim measurement includes:

Before and after tests

Self reporting and/or action planning

Reviews of objective attainment

5. Behavioural change
This final change looks at the degree with which the completed project has made significant behavioural or attitude changes measured against the original benchmark. Tactics used include:

Anecdotal evidence of visible behaviour change

360° feedback and self reporting tools

Before and after testing

Assessment of line managers

Reviews of objective attainment

By utilising this 5 step plan throughout our programmes, we ensure that our clients get real business value and results from their investment.

Don’t just take our word for it, click here to find out how A2B has delivered real business value to clients.